CITY REFORMED CHURCH Gospel Community Mission

Transcription

1 1 CITY REFORMED CHURCH Gospel Community Mission

2 2 REFLECTIONS Accordingly let me confess what I know of myself. Let me confess too what I do not know of myself. For what I know of myself I know because you grant me light, and what I do not know of myself, I do not know until such time as my darkness becomes like noonday before your face ~St. Augustine, Confessions Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves... We are prompted by our own ills to contemplate the good things of God; and we cannot seriously aspire to him before we begin to become displeased with ourselves. For what man in all the world would not gladly remain as he is what man does not remain as he is so long as he does not know himself, that is, while content with his own gifts, and either ignorant or unmindful of his own misery? Accordingly, the knowledge of ourselves not only arouses us to seek God, but also, as it were leads us by the hand to find him. ~John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion The solid meaning of life is always the same eternal thing the marriage, namely, of some unhabitual ideal, however special, with some fidelity, courage, and endurance; with some man s or woman 's pains And, whatever or wherever life may be, there will always be the chance for that marriage to take place. ~William James, What Makes Life Significant [cover art] Moses before the Burning Bush Artist: Arnulf Rainer

3 CHILDCARE A nursery for infants and small children is located in the classroom outside the sanctuary. 3 CITY REFORMED CHURCH HAPPENINGS Children s Volunteer Training- Sunday, September 11 we will host a mandatory training for all people who volunteer with children at City Reformed Church. We will provide lunch and childcare. We will begin our meeting at 11:30 and be completed by 1. Thanks in advance for taking time to attend this important training. Please contact Beth at beth.elder@cityreformedchurch.org with questions and to RSVP. Thanks! Deacon Assistants One of the primary roles of the deacons is to support the physical needs of the congregation. As our church grows, in order for us to continue to do this well, we are hoping to recruit and train some of you as diaconal assistants. If you would be interested in learning more about what it looks like to come alongside each other, please contact one of the deacons (Kelli Sieplinga, Austin Ramirez, Christina Katt or Alex Lau). We will be setting up an informational and training session soon for those interested in serving in this capacity.

4 4 PRELUDE GREETING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP August 28 th 2016 Ordinary Time Minister: People: The Lord be with you. And also with you. CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 145:1-7 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. PRAYER OF ADORATION

5 Sing To The Lord 5 Words and Music: Roots Worship Collective 2015 Roots Worship Collective, Used by Permission

6 6 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Words: Henry van Dyke Music: Ludwig van Beethoven Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day! All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed, Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

7 SACRED READING Romans 3:21-31 Hearing Scripture read aloud is an act of worship. It has been the practice of the church for thousands of years to have portions of the Bible read during worship services. The assumption behind this practice is that we are people who need to be shaped by all of God s word 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. 7 Reader: People: The grass withers and the flowers fall. but the Word of our God stands forever

8 8 Let Your Blood Plead for Me Words: Isaac Watts Music: Quillo/Gilles Sojourn Community Church, 2011/CCLI License #

9 9 PRAYER OF CONFESSION based upon Micah 6 Almighty and Merciful Father, you have told us to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you. Our lives, however, often do not measure up. We have not acted justly. Instead, we have acted in ways that promote our own comfort and advancement. We have not loved mercy. Instead, we have loved the order and control over our lives that we can maintain if we do not serve those in need. We have not walked humbly with you. Instead, we have run from your paths when they are difficult and involve sacrifice. Forgive us for our sins against you and our neighbors. By the power of your Spirit make us a congregation who acts justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with you, through Christ our Lord. Silent Confession Assurance of Pardon Adapted from Ephesians 2 For by grace we have been saved through faith. And this is not our own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. In Christ, we are forgiven. Be at peace and live with great freedom! Amen. May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you!

10 10 What Wondrous Love Words: S. Mead, 1811 Music: W. Walker, L. Ruffin

11 11 RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION Now to the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God. be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS The offering is a way for Christians to participate in the mission and ministry of the church. Christians offer a sacrificial portion of their resources time, talents, possessions as an act of faith and gratitude in response to God s grace. Offerings are a part of our worship service as an opportunity for the regular, proportionate and generous giving of the resources God has given us. If you are a guest today you, please feel under no compulsion to give. Offertory Prayer: PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Leader: Lord in your mercy People: Hear our prayer GOD SPEAKS TO US Exodus 2:23-3:15, ESV 23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel and God knew. 3:1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here I am. 5 Then he said, Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 6 And he said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their

12 12 sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. 11 But Moses said to God, Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 He said, But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain. 13 Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? what shall I say to them? 14 God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. 15 God also said to Moses, Say this to the people of Israel, The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God!

13 13 GOD S WORD AMONG HIS PEOPLE Series: Called by God Pastor Chris Ganski The Burning Bush and the Vertical Self

14 14 COMMUNION Guidelines for Reception of Communion Communion, also called The Lord s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church. Invitation to the Lord s Table Confession of Faith I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Prayer of Thanksgiving Minister: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Minister: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord! Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. [Prayer continues with congregation singing Sanctus]

15 , Brian T, Murphy, used by permission WORDS OF INSTITUTION Minister: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of the faith. All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Minister: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Distribution of the Bread and Cup Minister: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Pastoral Prayer Lord s Prayer: All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

16 16 Prayers of Meditation for Those Not Communing If you are not able to receive Communion, please use this time to meditate on one of the following prayers. Prayer for Those Searching for Truth Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen. Prayer of Commitment Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you in baptism and in a life of committed discipleship in your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with your people, and live in the fullness of your Spirit.

17 17 Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea A great High Priest whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me My name is graven on His hands My name is written on His heart I know that while in heav'n He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart No tongue can bid me thence depart When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin Because the sinless Savior died My sinful soul is counted free For God the Just is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me Behold Him there the Risen Lamb My perfect spotless Righteousness The great unchangeable I Am The King of Glory and of grace One with Himself I cannot die My soul is purchased by His blood My life is hid with Christ on high With Christ my Savior and my God With Christ my Savior and my God Before the Throne of God Above CCLI Song # Sovereign Grace Worship

18 18 I Surrender All 1. All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give; I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live. Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. Text: J.W. Van Deventer Music: W.S. Weeden 2. All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at his feet I bow, worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now. (Refrain) 3. All to Jesus I surrender; make me, Savior, wholly thine; fill me with thy love and power; truly know that thou art mine. (Refrain) 4. All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to thee; fill me with thy love and power; let thy blessing fall on me. (Refrain) 5. All to Jesus I surrender; now I feel the sacred flame. O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to his name! (Refrain)

19 19 O Love That Will Not Let Me Go Words: George Matheson Music: Christopher Miner 1997 Christopher Miner Music/CCLI License #

20 20 BENEDICTION Minister: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. People: Amen. DISMISSAL Minister: Let us go forth to seek the peace of Milwaukee as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. People: Thanks be to God! Halleluiah! Halleluiah! POSTLUDE Musicians Sarah Reimer, piano Kelly Hofman, horn Quinten Anderson, voice Clyde Taylor, guitar Jamie Hofman, violin Dave Ribbens, bass Stay connected with CRC online cityreformedchurch.org